7 Unspoken Rules Of The NYC Transit System

If you're a New Yorker, you know that the MTA is just as essential as your "bacon-egg-and-cheese" in the morning. Even though I'm sure many of us have a love/hate relationship with the system, it's undeniable that many of us wouldn't be able to get from one point to another without it. As a native New Yorker, you learn to utilize the train and bus system like no other. If you bet me one hundred dollars that I couldn't get from the Upper East Side in Manhattan to Bay Ridge in Brooklyn without setting foot above ground, I'd be one hundred dollars richer. As I'm sure the same with many New Yorkers no matter the destination.

Just like every culture, there are a set of unspoken rules that go along with the MTA and the riders who rely on it every day. In my 20 years of using the MTA subway and bus system, here are some rules that I've noted, and firmly believe all New Yorkers know even if it's part of their subconscious.

1. Step aside as people get off the train or bus

Every day there seems to be someone who believes they're brave enough to stand right in front of the doors as people get off the train or bus. It's almost common sense to move aside and let people off the vehicle before you get on. Not only does it help the train move faster, but you won't have to get stared down by literally everyone next to you because you decided to be inconsiderate.

2. That middle seat is a "no no"

You know what I'm talking about. That one seat on the train or bus that's right in between two other perfectly reliable seats. The one that no matter what, you refuse to sit in because why would I ever want to sit next to two people instead of one? Unless the vehicle you're on is absolutely crowded, this seat is usually avoided at all cost. It's pretty sad actually. The seat just wants to be loved like every other seat, but is condemned to a life of holding bags instead of backsides.

3. Yes, you should probably give that seat up

As a young adult, I've dealt with this far too many times. Imagine you're on the train or bus after a long day of school or work and all you need right now is a place to rest your legs while you venture home. An elderly, pregnant, or disabled person gets on and you know your conscious is literally kicking you in the face. What do you do? Well, just give it up. I know it's hard, but just know that person has been through enough to deserve that seat especially if you're a bit more able-bodied and willing than them. Honestly, to me, there's only one exception to not giving your seat up to someone that fits under those categories, and that's if they're a complete asshole before you even get the chance to stand up.

4. If you hear "SHOWTIME" just look straightforward and avoid eye contact

very New Yorker knows this (more often than not) dreaded sound. Usually designated to only the subway system, "SHOWTIME" is most associated with someone performing a dance on the subway platform or in the train cars. Sometimes the acts are pretty good, and you might even enjoy seeing someone flip in between the seats. Nine times out of ten though, you're rolling your eyes whenever someone almost kicks you in the face. Now, this isn't to take away from the performers. As an artist myself, I know that it takes not only guts but charisma to perform on any platform in front of people, let alone New Yorkers. But when you're on the way home from work or school and exhausted from a full day, this is something that may not necessarily make your day better.

5. It's not a dining car

People are always on the go in NYC, so this one I'm pretty lenient about. I've been the one devouring a sandwich on my way to class and I've also been the person holding their nose because I can't stand the smell of whatever it is you've decided to drag on this vehicle. Either way, I think it's important to be aware of those around you and just waiting to get wherever you're going to before you decide to chow down. Even though it's kind of innate for some New Yorkers to be inconsiderate, you never know what allergies, restrictions, or just what mood someone may be in when you decide to break that meal open. Unless you're on the literal verge of starvation, give it some time. Not only could you spare someone from using an EpiPen, but it's also an act of consideration that all of us greatly appreciate.

6. NYC wildlife are passengers too

Listen, if that "pizza rat" video amazed you, then you're not a native New Yorker. Whether it's rats, pigeons, squirrels, raccoons, possums, or even the occasional dead shark, these animals are basically passengers too. I see rats playing tag every day in various stations. I've dodged pigeons who've mistaken my head for a large piece of bread. Once you live in NYC, you realize these miniature passengers are just a large part of NYC as you are. As long as they're not dropping bubonic plague everywhere, I think you're good.

7. We're all in this together

At the end of the day, it's important to remember that no matter where you're going or what you're doing, we're all experiencing the same emotions on this ride. Every delay, every disruption, every late arrival, every stop missed, we all feel it. Remember to be considerate of those around you. I've met some of the best people while being on the bus or train because of the pure fact that we all knew we were going through something together. We may hate it, but NYC's transit system does unite us even when we least expect it.

10 Things You Know To Be True If You Live in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn

For anyone that is currently living in Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn and or has lived there, you know it's an *interesting* experience. From the various food joints, to the movie theater, everyone's love/hate relationship with Crazy George, Emmons Avenue, the B/Q trains, the new apartment complex that some people love and others completely despise, and everything in-between, there's no other neighborhood that's just like Sheepshead. You know you're from Sheepshead when:

1. You've either spotted Crazy George somewhere out on the streets or in a random location (usually in Dunkin' Donuts).

Don't get me wrong — it's not funny that he appears to have problems, but it's also not ideal that he goes into various stores harassing the workers. He's a one of a kind human being and I do wish the best for him and/or that he does get some help.

2. When it comes to Brennan and Carr and Roll n Roaster, you either love one of them much more than the other.

As much as I love Brennan and Carr's Gargiulo burger, I'm more of a Roll n Roaster person. Their personal pizza is nice and their fries are to die for -- and yes, I want cheese on that, please.

3. You either love or hate that new apartment complex that's in the works.

4. You've become used to the B and Q trains either being delayed, messed up, crowded, and or nonexistent.

"Take the B they said. It's express they said." If I told you how many times the B has gone local, out of service, and or on fire in Brooklyn, then maybe you'd hate it just as much as I do at times. Don't even get me started about how crowded it is - especially during rush hour.

"What about the Q train?" The Q's not much better. It has its times where it goes express in Brooklyn as opposed to local, which doesn't help if you're getting on/off at Neck Road or Avenue U.

5. You either go to UA Sheepshead, another movie theater or don't even bother with movie theaters.

Although going to UA Sheepshead is convenient, their prices are very special for just an average movie theater.

6. You either stick to shopping and dining along Sheepshead Bay Road and or Emmons Avenue or go elsewhere either in the neighborhood, other neighborhoods, or to the city.

While they're both convenient parts of Sheepshead Bay, there are other parts of the neighborhood to go to, such as Nostrand Ave. Sometimes, it's easier to flock to other parts of Brooklyn, but there are times where going to the city is worth the commute.

7. You either shop at Cherry Hill or avoid it completely.

While there are other supermarkets in the neighborhood, Cherry Hill is the only one on Emmons that is open 24/7. Their prices might be high for the neighborhood, but their prices could be much worse.

8. You remember when Sheepshead Bay High School was one school...

...and not an educational complex.

9. You're still low-key bothered about how the neighborhood recovered after Sandy.

I'm not going to say that it was the same after the hurricane. Although it didn't take the longest time to recover, that doesn't mean that damage wasn't done.

10. But regardless of how you may feel, by the end of the day, you're probably still super in love with the neighborhood.

It's an incredibly unique neighborhood. You can take someone out of Sheepshead but you can't take the Sheepshead out of someone.

25 Things You Know All Too Well If You're From The South

You may think that southern people only care about football. That could possibly be true, but you can't say that unless you've experienced living in the south first hand. There are many other things that make up a "southerner" rather than SEC football and sweet tea. If you've never been to one of the southern states, then you need to plan a trip.

1. You get the death stare if you don't say "yes ma'am or no sir"

2. SEC>NFL

3. You pull over on the highway when you see a funeral procession

4. Unsweet tea is for the Northern Folk

5. You can tell when someone "ain't from around here"

6. Shunnarah

7. There are only 2 seasons: Summer and Football

8. Krispy Kreme and BBQ are a delicacy

9. You respect your elders.... well, you respect everybody or mama will whoop you